Investment in Training Key to Predicted Seafarer Shortage

Maritime training leader notes the importance of attracting a new generation of mariners

LONDON, UK – 18 May 2016 –The BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report released earlier this week indicates that there is a current shortfall of about 16, 500 officers and a need for an additional 147, 500 officers by 2025 to service the world merchant fleet. Nigel Cleave, CEO of VideotelTM, part of KVH Industries, Inc., has stressed that shipowners and shipmanagers need to invest in seafarer training to help combat this predicted shortfall of officers.

“Attracting new blood into the industry is vital and by having properly structured training programmes to ensure competent cadets can advance quickly through the ranks will help make a career at sea an attractive option to young people, ” says Mr. Cleave. “Young seafarers can enjoy an exciting career at sea which is well-paid and challenging and rewarding.”

Videotel’s training solutions are in use on more than 12, 000 vessels worldwide, and include 950 new and updated titles to meet current seafarer training needs. The Videotel programmes are available in a range of formats, including 500+ e-Learning courses, more than twice the number of computer-based training (CBT) programmes offered by competitors. Videotel has been a leader in developing training material since 1973 when the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), the forerunner to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), wanted to improve the quality of training materials available to seafarers and called on the company’s services. Videotel has recorded more than 12 million training events in recent years, and its training programmes have been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.